Tidal flooding in Marshall Islands causes widespread damage

A state of emergency has been declared in Marshall Islands due to king tides which have inundated communities living on low-lying attols.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, regional office for the Pacific says waves washed over shorelines, sending water, rubbish and debris across roads and properties.

There are no reports of fatalities or serious injuries, however a state of emergency has been declared.

Preliminary assessments in the capital Majuro show 69 homes have been damaged.

The Rairok Elementary School, a waste site, cemetery and airport road have also been damaged by the flood.

Four evacuation centres have been established in schools and churches, sheltering 800 evacuees, although the total number of displaced people is estimated to be around 1,000 with many staying in hotels or with family and friends.

In Arno Atoll 36 homes were damaged and 246 people displaced.

A number of outer islands have also been affected, however information is yet to be obtained.

But he says says areas once assumed safe to build on may not support housing in the future.

"We are hopeful that those houses that are far away enough from the shoreline that they may be able to be repaired in such a way that a similar tide within the next five to 10 years can be staved off," he said.

"We are hopeful they can start repairing and returning soon."

Mr de Brum has called on Australian political leaders to do more to help the Pacific deal with climate change.

"When the king tides come, and the salt inundates, it doesn't go away," he said.

"The salt remains in the soil and in the groundwater.

"If the people of Australia understood a little better and were able to see the kind of affect that climate change is having on the small island countries I am sure they will have something to say to their leadership."